Food as Medicine: Weekly Update (July 24, 2024)
In last week’s edition of “Food as Medicine,” we delve into various compelling topics spanning research, volunteer opportunities, dietary insights, and the profound connection between food and health.
Original Center News
Study Spotlight with Chef Dr. Mike: Multivitamins & Supplementation explores the efficacy of multivitamins and supplements, providing insights into their role in modern diets. For those interested in contributing to the Center for Food as Medicine, numerous volunteer opportunities are available, ranging from writing and research to community projects and youth engagement. Additionally, the center is seeking social media experts for volunteer positions and offers a paid postdoctoral researcher position focused on advancing food-as-medicine research.
Ingredients and Health
Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe? (The New York Times) examines the safety and health implications of artificial sweeteners, while Whole Foods Market’s “Surprise Bags” (Axios) initiative aims to reduce food waste by offering surplus food. Research highlights the alarming intake of ultra-processed foods by UK adolescents (EurekAlert!; peer-reviewed) and the significant impact of meal timing (EurekAlert!) on overall health. Studies also delve into why not all bitter-tasting substances are harmful (EurekAlert!; peer-reviewed) and the influence of industry-funded educational materials on pork consumption (Food Politics by Marion Nestle).
Investigations reveal potential health risks associated with diet soft drinks (The Conversation), and a study on AI-assisted personalized diet programs (Nutraingredients.com) suggests benefits for weight loss and gut health. Meanwhile, Beyond Meat (Food Dive) introduces a new protein product targeting health-conscious consumers.
Disease Treatment and Causation
Emerging research draws connections between prenatal diets and autism risk (JAMA Network Open; peer-reviewed), emphasizing the importance of maternal nutrition. The Mediterranean diet (MedicalNewsToday) continues to demonstrate its benefits, reducing death risk among cancer survivors and impacting gut microbiota in pediatric multiple sclerosis patients (Nature Communications Medicine; peer-reviewed). Other studies explore the diet’s effects on cardiometabolic biomarkers in youth (JAMA Open Network; peer-reviewed), while plant-based diets (Foodnavigator) show promise in slowing cancer progression.
The ketogenic diet (HCP Live; peer-reviewed) is noted for improving psoriatic arthritis symptoms, and the Mind Diet (Woman’s Health) is investigated for its potential to reduce dementia risk. High-fiber foods are linked to the release of appetite-suppressing hormones, and the gut microbiome’s role in sleep quality is highlighted, emphasizing dietary strategies for microbiota support (Nutrients; peer-reviewed). Recommendations for managing blood pressure through diet and the effectiveness of combining a Mediterranean diet with supplements to combat acne are also discussed. Further research examines the association between vitamin A intake and cardiometabolic health (NIH; peer-reviewed) and reviews over-the-counter products for mental health in older adults (BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies; peer-reviewed).
Thrive / Healthspan / Longevity
The interplay between diet and the gut microbiome is crucial for health and disease prevention (Nature Reviews Microbiology; peer-reviewed). The benefits of fermented foods (BBC) like kombucha are explored, and research on mice indicates that blocking inflammation-boosting proteins can extend lifespan (Nature; peer-reviewed). Anti-aging secrets from long-living species and the impact of the Mediterranean diet (Everyday Health) on cancer survivors are highlighted, along with the effects of intermittent fasting on brain health in older adults (Cell Metabolism; peer-reviewed). The potential of polyphenols in disease prevention and the anti-aging mechanisms of green tea are also examined (Food Chemistry; peer-reviewed).
Food As Medicine
Public funding for food research presents challenges and opportunities for the food industry. A virtual culinary medicine intervention is being developed for individuals with type 2 diabetes, and a first-of-its-kind free food market opens in San Francisco to combat food insecurity. Northwell Health partners with Instacart (Healthcare Dive) to enhance food access, and hospitals join forces with farmers in the “Food Is Medicine” campaign. Rwanda’s hospitals are integrating nutrition into care, and personalized meal delivery shows potential for substantial healthcare cost savings. The benefits of medically tailored meals for people with HIV and the feasibility of dietitian-led food-as-medicine programs in retail settings are also discussed (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; peer-reviewed).
Dietary and Herbal Supplements
The dangers of eBay’s diet pill market are exposed, while the benefits of Vitamin D2 and D3 (Health) are highlighted. Fish oil supplements are linked to reduced diabetes complications, and experts recommend the best sleep supplements. An FDA recall of a dangerous herbal supplement (Daily Mail) sold on Amazon underscores safety concerns. Recent findings on fish oil’s heart health benefits (CNET; peer-reviewed) and the relationship between dietary supplement use and serum biomarkers in postmenopausal women are also explored (Proquest; peer-reviewed).
Plant Forward
Plant-based diets continue to be a focal point, with discussions on their potential to slow cancer progression. A health reporter’s month-long vegan journey (Daily Mail) yields surprising results, while stories of vegan power athletes challenge stereotypes. A dietitian’s perspective on the health aspects of plant-based meat concludes the section.
For further details and full articles, please refer to the specific studies and research mentioned in this overview.
